The Top-Popping History of Pringles: From Concept to Snack Sensation

Potato chips are ubiquitous, but Pringles stand out with their unique shape, crispiness, and consistent flavor. The journey of Pringles, however, is anything but ordinary.

In 1939, potato chips faced production halts due to the war. When they returned, they quickly gained popularity, but a major complaint was their greasiness and the prevalence of broken chips. In 1956, Procter & Gamble (P&G) set out to address these issues. They enlisted chemist Fredric J. Baur, who used a geometric formula to design a saddle-shaped chip that wouldn’t break. The innovative packaging was cylindrical and vacuum-sealed, but the initial flavor was far from appealing.

By the mid-1960s, P&G revisited Baur’s concept and developed a new recipe using a blend of dehydrated potatoes, rice, corn, and wheat. This formula, combined with Baur’s shaping device, led to the creation of Pringles Newfangled Potato Chips. While the name’s origin remains debated—whether it’s from a patent citation, a street name, or otherwise—the chips initially struggled to gain traction.

In 1975, Pringles faced a significant challenge: other chip manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration contested their chip classification due to their non-traditional ingredients. Pringles rebranded as “crisps” and dropped “newfangled” from the name, marking a pivotal change in their branding.

The 1980s saw Pringles finally gaining popularity, partly due to effective advertising campaigns and memorable commercials. The brand revamped its mascot, Julius Pringles, who has undergone multiple redesigns over the years. The 1990s marked Pringles’ expansion into international markets with new and exotic flavors like Prawn Cocktail, Seaweed, and Blueberry.

In 2008, Pringles faced a tax issue in the UK which threatened its sales. Instead of pulling products or raising prices, Pringles rebranded once again. That same year, Fredric J. Baur’s legacy was honored when his ashes were buried in a Pringles can.

Pringles continue to innovate and entertain snack enthusiasts. In 2013, Pringles hacks like the “chip slide” and “Pringles ringle” became popular online. Despite not being classified as traditional chips, Pringles remain a beloved snack, continuously expanding their flavor repertoire and inspiring creative ways to enjoy them.

From a revolutionary idea to a global snack phenomenon, Pringles have carved out a unique place in snack history.